How to Upscale 1080p to 4K [2025 Guide]

Why Upscale 1080p to 4K?

In recent years, 4K resolution has become the new standard for high-quality video. Upscaling 1080p to 4K can provide a significant visual boost, offering crisper details and a more immersive viewing experience, especially on large screens. But the question remains: can you upscale 1080p to 4K? The answer is yes, with the help of a 1080p to 4K upscaler, you can enhance your video quality and make it suitable for 4K displays.

What is Upscaling 1080p to 4K?

Upscaling 1080p to 4K is the process of increasing the resolution of a 1080p video to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels), which is four times the resolution of 1080p. This enhancement results in sharper, more detailed visuals, even if the original content was not filmed in 4K.

A 1080p upscaler uses advanced algorithms, including AI-based technology, to add extra pixels and detail where none originally existed. 1080p upscaled to 4K doesn't quite match the native 4K video quality, but it can significantly improve the viewing experience. Whether you're using a 4K upscaler online or a desktop tool, the right software can make a noticeable difference.

Important Considerations

• Video upscaling from 1080p to 4K is unable to generate new details that didn't exist in the original footage. As a result, the upscaled 4K video will never match the quality of content that was originally filmed in 4K resolution.
• The performance of the upscaling process differs based on the original video content. Improvements are most noticeable in aspects like the sharpness of text and the clarity of details in dark areas.
• After upscaling 1080p to 4K, issues like reduced color saturation or unbalanced contrast may occur. It's necessary to fine-tune the color levels and gamma values to ensure the color consistency with the original footage, preventing color casts from affecting the viewing experience.
• When multiple video clips need processing, prioritize tools that support batch upscaling (such as UniFab's batch processing feature). Additionally, preview 10-30 second segments of each clip before processing the entire video to confirm the results, which helps reduce repeated rework.
• 4K video files are typically 3-5 times larger in size than 1080p ones. It's essential to check in advance whether the storage devices (such as hard drives or cloud storage) have sufficient capacity. Meanwhile, consider the bandwidth requirements for transmission to avoid failed transfers due to excessively large file sizes.

How to Upscale 1080p to 4K?

Upscaling a 1080p video to 4K involves increasing its resolution, typically by creating a 4K project or sequence in video editing software or by using specialized AI upscaling tools. These solutions intelligently scale your footage to fit 4K dimensions, then allow you to enhance visual quality further through sharpening, noise reduction, and color grading before exporting the final high-resolution file.

Method 1: Using Video Editing Software

Professional video editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve allow you to manually upscale videos with fine control. Here's a typical workflow:
1. Create a New 4K Project: Start a new project and set the sequence or timeline resolution to 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels).
2. Import Your 1080p Footage: Bring your 1080p video files into the project media bin.
3. Place Footage on the 4K Timeline: Drag the 1080p clip onto the 4K timeline, automatically scaling it to fit. If prompted with a resolution mismatch warning, select options like “keep existing settings” or “fit to frame size.”
4. Enhance the Video: Apply effects such as sharpening and noise reduction to improve clarity and reduce fuzziness. You can also do color correction or grading to achieve a natural, vibrant look.
5. Export the 4K Video: Finally, export your project ensuring the export settings match 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) and choose an appropriate codec and bitrate for quality retention.
For example, using DaVinci Resolve's Super Scale upscaling filter before export can significantly improve detail reconstruction.

Method 2: Using AI Upscaling Software

AI-powered video upscalers streamline the upscaling process by leveraging advanced algorithms that enhance details intelligently. Popular options include UniFab Video Upscaler AI, VideoProc Converter AI, and Topaz Video AI.
1. Open the AI Upscaler: Launch your chosen AI upscaling software on your Windows or Mac system.
2. Import Your 1080p Video: Load the video file you want to upscale.
3. Set Upscale Parameters: Select 4K or 2x upscale settings. Some tools allow additional adjustments for denoise, sharpness, and artifact reduction.
4. Start the Upscaling Process: Begin processing; the AI will add details, reduce noise, and enhance textures to deliver superior visual quality.
5. Review and Save: Preview the upscaled video output to verify quality before exporting or saving the final 4K file.
Among these, UniFab Video Upscaler AI stands out for its balance of affordable pricing, powerful AI models tailored to different content types, customizable parameters, and batch processing capability. It's an ideal solution for both casual users and professionals looking for high-quality 4K upscaling.

Conclusion

Upscaling 1080p to 4K is a practical way to enhance video quality, especially for viewers using 4K TVs, monitors, or projectors. Whether you prefer professional editing software or a specialized AI upscaler, choosing the right method and fine-tuning your footage ensures the best possible result. For users seeking the most efficient balance of quality, automation, and customization, AI tools like UniFab Video Upscaler AI provide an excellent solution for achieving superior 4K output with minimal effort.